Ogun , LCCI To Partner On Establishment OF Paper Mill

Ogun State Government has expressed  its readiness to partner the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in establishing a Printing and Publishing Group, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement in the state

 LCCI had in its proposal presentation, requested for the partnership , asking the State to allocate 20 hectares of land as a form of equity contribution to the investment.

The  State Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe who revealed this when the Group paid a courtesy visit to her  Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, stated  that the move by the LCCI would ensure the growth of the Printing, Publishing, and Allied industry

According to her , the arrangement is also in line with the present administration's drive to revitalise the sector in the State.

"In times past, the government has invested in Paper Mills. Unfortunately, these mills are no longer functioning. We are therefore happy that your Chamber has taken this step to see how they can explore the possibility of partnering with us in Ogun State under a PPP arrangement and we are quite excited about it", the Commissioner said.

Longe noted that the State government would study the details of the proposal, adding that any partnership reached would be a win-win for both parties as there is a PPP law, which protects the interests of all partners involved in such agreements.

She said the present administration has been creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish, as well as providing requisite infrastructure to aid investments, adding that the proposed project could be sited in any of the State's six Economic Development Clusters (EDCs), which would have baseline infrastructure that would enable smooth take-off and growth of the paper mill investment.

"Let me assure you that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration will not rest on its oars in assisting and providing an enabling environment for your business to thrive in the actualisation of your mandate. Ogun and Lagos States see ourselves as partners", Longe said.

Earlier in his presentation, the LCCI Chairperson, Princess Layo Okeowo said that the paper mill, when established would help address the huge local demand for paper and printing products, as well as support the industrialisation agenda of the government, while also creating opportunities for inclusive economic participation job creation, increase government revenue and create wealth for the people of the State.

“Sequel to this announcement of intent, some investors, and stakeholders of the LCCI have indicated interest to invest in the paper mill value chain in Ogun State. We are therefore seeking the support of the State government in allocating 20 hectares of land in the State for this investment project. The allocated land will be Ogun State Government’s equity contribution in the investment”, Okeowo stated.

Other dignitaries in attendance include, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Remi Ogunmefun, Vice President of the LCCI, Prince Abimbola Olashore, and the LCCI Director-General, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Almona.